Denny Hamlin Draws Attention to the Downside of Using Chrome Numbers in NASCAR

Currently, testing is well underway for the NASCAR Next Gen cars. For the new cars, there have been a number of changes, both internal and visible. Some of the more visual changes include shifting the numbers forward. However, a few drivers and teams have opted for another change, namely giving the numbers a chrome finish. Unfortunately, at the latest test at Charlotte Motor Speedway, Denny Hamlin pointed out a glaring issue.

At the Charlotte Motor Speedway, Richard Childress Racing’s Tyler Reddick was just coming out with the chrome number. However, Hamlin noted that he couldn’t see the number properly, as it didn’t quite pop out with the color scheme. In other words, the big issue here is visibility, as the chrome schemes could clash with the original liveries.

It isn’t to say that the chrome finishes are a bad idea, but it may work with some schemes, but not with others. Some fans also noted that while they may look good at night, the day time is a completely different story. As per one Twitter user, “Honestly now I see why chrome numbers were outlawed. They’ll look cool under the lights but on a dark scheme you’ll never be able to tell unless the sun hits it perfect.”

How is the NASCAR post-season test progressing?

The test seems to be getting along nicely and teams are gathering a lot of data. Several of them performed simulation runs and even had mock race starts. Around 16 cars took to the track simultaneously and lined up for a rolling start. Sometime during the session, there were a few incidents on the track.

Ricky Stenhouse Jr lost the rear end of his car and spun towards the inside of the track. He later explained that the car was very loose, but when the #10 of Almirola pulled down, his own car got tight. So, when Almirola moved back up, the car gained a lot of front downforces and snapped. Later on, the chrome-numbered Reddick crashed out but was able to limp back to the pits.

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